Job Summary

The Locum Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Ward Liaison) will serve as the primary link between the clinical laboratory and inpatient/critical care units through participation in daily ward rounds and multidisciplinary care discussions. The technologist will support clinicians in optimal utilization of laboratory services by reviewing laboratory investigations requested, recommending additional or alternative tests based on clinical presentation, guiding appropriate interpretation of laboratory results, and ensuring timely communication of critical values. The role aims to enhance diagnostic stewardship, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the multidisciplinary approach to patient management across the hospital.

Job Details

A. Ward Round & Clinical Support

• Participate in daily ward rounds in designated units (ICU, High Dependency Unit, Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, Pediatrics, etc.).
• Review laboratory tests ordered by clinicians for appropriateness, completeness, and alignment with clinical presentation.
• Provide real-time guidance on test interpretation, test limitations, sample requirements, and turnaround times.
• Identify and recommend additional tests where clinically indicated (e.g., cultures, follow-up markers, confirmatory tests).
• Support clinicians in trending and correlating lab results with clinical findings and imaging.

B. Diagnostic Stewardship

• Promote rational test utilization to reduce unnecessary investigations, lab errors, and repeat testing.
• Guide use of evidence-based algorithms (ISO 15189:2022, CLSI, IDSA, WHO Essential Diagnostics, C-Care guidelines).
• Ensure proper sample collection practices by advising nurses and interns on correct tubes, timing, and pre-analytical factors.
• Identify common causes of rejected or delayed tests and provide feedback to clinical teams.

C. Communication & Reporting

• Relay critical values and urgent lab findings immediately to responsible clinicians and document communication.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to discuss complex cases requiring laboratory expertise.
• Provide feedback to the laboratory on recurring clinical concerns (e.g., delayed TAT, ambiguities in reports).

D. Quality & Improvement

• Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives related to test utilization, laboratory workflow, and clinical-lab communication.
• Prepare brief weekly reports summarizing interventions made, gaps identified, and data trends observed.
• Participate in morbidity and mortality (M&M) discussions where laboratory issues contributed to clinical outcomes.

E. Education & Training

• Conduct mini-CMEs for clinicians, nurses, and interns on laboratory best practices (pre-analytical errors, test algorithms, antibiograms, etc.).
• Support implementation of new laboratory updates, platforms, or guidelines across clinical teams.

Requirements

•    Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
•    Current registration and annual practicing license with the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC).
•    Minimum 2 years of clinical laboratory experience in a hospital setting (ICU/ER experience is an added advantage).
•    Strong knowledge in haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, blood transfusion, and molecular diagnostics.
•    Experience participating in patient management reviews or MDT discussions is desirable.